Vivek Singh on the best markets for world food

The TV chef shares his favourite spice markets and places to pick up world food

Queen’s Market, London This buzzing market in Upton Park specialises in Sri Lankan, South Indian and Asian foods so you’ll find top-quality fresh curry leaves, beautiful coconuts and many different varieties of dosa (rice batter pancakes) which are as good as the ones you’d get in India. But there are also African and Afro-Caribbean influences – look out for the lentils and gungo peas. East Ham, Greater London E13

Khari Baoli, Delhi This is a traditional, bustling madhouse of a market in Old Delhi with thousands of merchants selling everything you could imagine. There are huge sacks of cumin and coriander; dried fruits; and chillies from all over the world. It is a 15-20 minute rickshaw ride back in time from the centre of Delhi and is more vibrant than you could possibly imagine.

Oastler Shopping Centre, Bradford Bradford is a melting pot of cultures and the centre’s covered market reflects that; its stalls are packed with specialist foods from all over the world. There are cured meats and cheeses from Italy, Polish delicacies, jars of sauerkraut, Caribbean products such as yam flour and palm oil, and plenty of freshly ground spices at my favourite stall, Spice World. bradfordmarkets.com

Spice Bazaar, Istanbul It’s mind-boggling to think that trade has been going on under the high-domed roof of this bazaar for 350 years, and it’s even more amazing to think that the concept behind it is still the same: it’s about people from all over the world coming to buy food from all over the world. Expect everything from Iranian saffron and Indian curry to Turkish delight and Russian caviar.

Little India, London This mini-supermarket in Tooting specialises in Gujarati cooking, which means you can find top-quality spices and many varieties of rice, but also specialist equipment such as brass pestle and mortars and specialist rolling pins. 191 Upper Tooting Road, London SW17 7TG